Regular Home Maintenance is Key

In many regions, fall is the perfect season to tackle general home maintenance projects because the weather is generally dry and temperatures are moderate. Before you start your seasonal home maintenance checklist, examine both the interior and exterior of your home. Most of these tasks can be accomplished without the help of a professional, but it's always better to be safe and call for assistance if a project is beyond your abilities. 

Here are our seasonal home improvement recommendations for fall:

• Rake leaves and aerate the lawn.
• Have the forced-air heating system inspected by a professional. Schedule an inspection in late summer or early fall before the heating season begins.
• Check the fireplace for damage or hazards and clean fireplace flues.
• Seal cracks and gaps in windows and doors with caulk or weather stripping; replace if necessary.
• Swap old, drafty windows for more energy-efficient models.
• Touch up exterior siding and trim with paint.
• Inspect roofing for missing, loose, or damaged shingles and leaks.
• Power-wash windows and siding.
• Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts.
• Mend cracks and gaps in the driveway and walkway.
• Drain and winterize exterior plumbing.
• Have your fireplace professionally inspected.
• Tune-up major home appliances before the holidays.
• Repair or replace siding.
• Replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Install a smoke detector on every floor of your home, including the basement.
• Clean the carpets.
• Clean window and door screens.
• Vacuum lint from the dryer vent.
• Inspect exterior door hardware; fix squeaky handles and loose locks.
• Check for frayed cords and wires.
• Drain and store hoses, and drain in-ground sprinkler systems.
• Wrap insulation around outdoor lfaucets and pipes in unheated garages.
• Check the water heater for leaks.
• Oil garage-door opener and chain, garage door, and all door hinges.   
• Remove lint from inside and outside washer hoses and dryer vents.   
• Clean kitchen exhaust fan filter.   
• Clean refrigerator and freezer coils and empty and clean drip trays.   
• Check the dishwasher for leaks.   
• Check around kitchen and bathroom cabinets and around toilets for leaks.   
• Replace interior and exterior faucet and showerhead washers if needed.   
• Seal tile grout.   
• Prune trees and shrubs.

Inspecting your home and completing monthly home improvement projects will keep your maintenance schedule on track and easier to manage. Follow this comprehensive home maintenance checklist each month to help save time and money:  

• Clean the furnace filter to remove dust build-ups, make it easier to regulate your home's temperature, and ultimately decrease energy bills.   
• Check the water softener and replenish salt if necessary.   
• Clean faucet aerators and showerheads to remove mineral deposits.   
• Inspect tub and sink drains for debris; unclog if necessary.   
• Test smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and all ground-fault circuit interrupters.   
• Inspect electrical cords for wear.   
• Vacuum heat registers and heat vents.   
• Check that indoor and outdoor air vents are not blocked.  
•  Flush out hot water from the water heater to remove accumulated sediment.   
• Clean the garbage disposal by grinding ice cubes, then flushing with hot water and baking soda.